Summer Basketball: Lee County whips Westover and Calhoun County; Monroe smacks Bainbridge

ALBANY — The summer basketball season opened Friday at Dougherty High School with seven schools from Albany and the surrounding area to competing in a two-day camp Friday and Saturday.

The Lee County Trojans stood out Friday afternoon, whipping Westover 57-32 and then beating Class A powerhouse Calhoun County, 60-42. Among the other games of the day, Monroe beat Bainbridge 50-26.

In the Lee County—Westover game, the Trojans ran out to a 14-0 lead to begin the rout, including two slam dunks from All-State guard Josiah Parker. Westover finally found a way through the Lee County trapping defense to get points on the board, but after Lee County’s Braden Moore swished two long threes, the Trojans were up 27-10.

“I liked the energy and enthusiasm of our team today,” Lee County head coach Kirven Davis said. “I think being put out in the first round of the state playoffs stung a lot. So now the goal is to get back and finish the drill.”

The Trojans got more of a battle with Calhoun County. Calhoun County’s Zechariah Canidate did not play, but the Cougars were tough inside with 6-foot-8 Amajion Figgins and 6-foot7 Tremayne Johnson. The Cougars led 12-11 early in the game before the Trojans went on an 11-2 run to lead 22-14. A three from the corner by Ousmane Kromah just before the half put the Trojans up 32-22 at the break.

Calhoun County scored first in the second half and cut the lead to seven points on a long three from Zion Suber, but Lee County’s speed and depth helped the Trojans pull away for the big win.

Monroe 50 Bainbridge 26

With the new region alignment, Monroe and Bainbridge will be region foes this coming school year, and the Bearcats have been a thorn for Region 1-AAAA teams. But Monroe jumped out to a 14-4 start against the Bearcats and led 24-13 at the half.

Rising seniors James Adams, Lorenzo Still, Chase Dixon and Lamond Seadrow all put together impressive moments during Friday’s game.

“We played well today,” Monroe head coach Michael Hoffpauir said. “We still have a lot to work on. We moved the ball well and we are picking up on our concepts. Due to our size, We will have to work on our defensive rebounding.” 

Dougherty and Terrell County teams were also on floor Friday — more coverage of Saturday’s events to come.

By Joe Whitfield
Sports EditorJoeWhitfield[email protected]